The ASEAN-Japan Centre organized the 3rd ASEAN-Japan Women Entrepreneurs’ Linkage Program (AJWELP) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from January 27-30, 2019. AJWELP aims to create an opportunity for startup women entrepreneurs in ASEAN whose business is less than 5 years old to network and link with support companies, mentors, and other peer women entrepreneurs. Participants are expected to bring back the knowledge and experiences gained from the program and reflect them in their business, and to become business leaders and role models to junior women entrepreneurs.

AJWELP consisted of various programs including a business presentation which is the main event, workshops on the entrepreneurial leadership and presentation skills by the international master trainers of Empretec program of UNCTAD, Mentors’ session, and company visits.

AJWELP was participated by 10 finalists who are country-representing participants of ASEAN Member States and 12 voluntarily nominated independent participants. 4 successful women entrepreneurs joined AJWELP as mentors to share their experience and provide advices, while 27 supporting companies offered their products /services to support the participating new women entrepreneurs.

The program was co-hosted by SME Corporation Malaysia.

Group photo with YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia & Minister of Women, Family and Community Development